For those who use a 16MP Pentax as your primary camera - upgrade in 2016?

redrockcoulee · 12-30-2015, 11:40 AM

I was undecided on if I should choose no or I shoot film as both are applicable. My Kr functioned beautifully and had over twice the shutter count when I got my K5iis as the K5iis has now. My wife as a K5 and it is useful to have basically the same camera as each other when having to borrow the others camera.

The holiday break I went through all of our photo gear to see what I thought we needed to get and no camera and no lenses made the list. There were adapters for the tripod, a couple step up rings, a flash bracket, a different head for one of our tripods and a few other smallish items. A new camera would be more expensive than everything on my list combined and would not make me a better photographer and I would still want everything on the list.

Any camera I would get next year would be at a thrift store and would shoot film. I simply cannot think of any reason for ME to upgrade my camera or even my lenses now that I got the 18-50 WR for when it rains. I do enjoy reading the reasons why others think they need to upgrade and what the new gear has to offer but I have no problem with being on the trailing edge of technology. My largest camera was made in the 1920s and the newest is a used plastic Diana F+.

biz-engineer · 12-30-2015, 11:41 AM

Looking at percieved differences between various large size 4K OELD display, I don't see the point to go higher than 24Mpixel (I have a K-3) and 16Mpixels is also fine. IMO there is more to benefit from upgrading to higher resolution display and 4K video capability or additional lenses (longer lenses) vs spending more on a higher resolution camera. IMO , even the 12Mpixel of the A7s with its video functionality is great.

WildBikerBill · 12-30-2015, 11:48 AM

No.

Resolution has never been the reason for my upgrades.
The things that have driven my upgrades:
1. Pentax *ist-DL: It was my first DSLR. It represents my transition from film to digital.
2. Pentax K-x: Vastly improved low-light performance and then new video functionality.
3. Pentax K-01: Improved low-light performance and greatly improved video functionality.

I'm pretty happy with the K-01 even if I would often like a view finder.
And this past year (2015) I purchased Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 and Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 lenses.
I'll be spending my quality camera time using my new lenses.

The Squirrel Mafia · 12-30-2015, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by Fenwoodian

I print BIG. That's my thing.

I do large prints as well. It's basically the only reason why I keep looking at that 24MP K-3. I'm not a big fan of the larger image files that the K-3 will produce, but like always, you give up one thing for another.

I've printed 30x45 images out of my K-50 & that's pushing the sensor's limits. Those were uncropped ISO 100-400 shots that came out pretty good & I processed the RAW files. Can't get that print size from OOC jpegs. K-50 prints look better at 24x36, though. As the ISO climbs, the prints get smaller.

normhead · 12-30-2015, 12:16 PM

Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia

I do large prints as well. It's basically the only reason why I keep looking at that 24MP K-3. I'm not a big fan of the larger image files that the K-3 will produce, but like always, you give up one thing for another.

I've printed 30x45 images out of my K-50 & that's pushing the sensor's limits. Those were uncropped ISO 100-400 shots that came out pretty good & I processed the RAW files. Can't get that print size from OOC jpegs. K-50 prints look better at 24x36, though. As the ISO climbs, the prints get smaller.

That's some big images.... it's nice to know the cut off line is somewhere beyond the 20x30 that seems to be my max. Although I do have one K-3 image, I'd like to do at 24x36....

Printed small, you always move up and squint, trying to see detail on the boats. The boats definitely have to be bigger than they are on a 13x19 print which is the largest I print myself.

dansamy · 12-30-2015, 12:36 PM

Originally posted by pathdoc

Your signature, as I post this, appears empty - check that the space aliens haven't stolen your gear!

Dunno where my signature went. My profile claims it's still there. I'm too lazy to pull out the laptop & investigate further.

bertwert · 12-30-2015, 12:44 PM

Originally posted by dansamy

Dunno where my signature went. My profile claims it's still there. I'm too lazy to pull out the laptop & investigate further.

Still there.
Here it is:

Originally posted by dansamy

K-x, K-5ii, K-01, K-S1, DAL18-55, DAL55-300, DA50mm, Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, DA*16-50, DA*50-135, 40XS, ZX-30, ZX-50, DA35mm, FA28-70 f/4, FA28-90 f/3.5-5.6, F35-70 macro, Promaster 28-80, Sigma 70-300, Promaster 2x TC, Sigma 28-105 f2.8-4, Promaster 28-105, FA28-80PZ, F35-80, FA80-200, Tamron 28mm f/2.8, 2 AF-360FGZ, 2 AF-200FG

Flickr albums: here, here and here

pathdoc · 12-30-2015, 12:45 PM - **1 Like**

The aliens must have just borrowed it for a short time and given it back, then.

normhead · 12-30-2015, 12:46 PM

She's lucky, they never give me anything back.

pathdoc · 12-30-2015, 12:50 PM

I went back and looked again, and from where I stand her original post that caught my eye is still missing the sig line. Although it IS present in her most recent reply. Might be an IP or site glitch; I'll check later on a different platform.

bertwert · 12-30-2015, 12:53 PM

Originally posted by pathdoc

I went back and looked again, and from where I stand her original post that caught my eye is still missing the sig line. Although it IS present in her most recent reply. Might be an IP or site glitch; I'll check later on a different platform.

You're right, same here.
Here we go again!
SHOCKER! Aliens Eat Pentax Full Frame Cameras! | New Camera News

RonHendriks1966 · 12-30-2015, 01:18 PM

Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia

I do large prints as well. It's basically the only reason why I keep looking at that 24MP K-3. I'm not a big fan of the larger image files that the K-3 will produce, but like always, you give up one thing for another.

I've printed 30x45 images out of my K-50 & that's pushing the sensor's limits. Those were uncropped ISO 100-400 shots that came out pretty good & I processed the RAW files. Can't get that print size from OOC jpegs. K-50 prints look better at 24x36, though. As the ISO climbs, the prints get smaller.

The largest prints I made are both from my K-01. One with 55mm and the other 85mm lens. Both iso 100 and f5 at studiolight. Printed 59x29,5 inch doorposter. Both are stunning. Portrait, so not all those trees and stuff. Made in RAW and done some intensive work in lightroom. Brushed all things away that would be seen in print like little spots from lens flaws.

https://flic.kr/p/mdXXRa

GlennG · 12-30-2015, 01:35 PM

Originally posted by Alex645

I'd upgrade myself, then I'd upgrade my glass, before I'd chase rainbows with MP.

Thank you. And, I enjoyed your story that underscored your statement here.

The Squirrel Mafia · 12-30-2015, 01:39 PM

Originally posted by RonHendriks1966

The largest prints I made are both from my K-01. One with 55mm and the other 85mm lens. Both iso 100 and f5 at studiolight. Printed 59x29,5 inch doorposter. Both are stunning. Portrait, so not all those trees and stuff. Made in RAW and done some intensive work in lightroom. Brushed all things away that would be seen in print like little spots from lens flaws.

https://flic.kr/p/mdXXRa

Interesting! I'd be thinking that at that point, you would probably start seeing some pixelation when up close. Was the print of that girl on the bar (_IGP1897)? I take is that the PENTAX-FA* 85mm F1.4 helped a lot.

**Dice** · 12-30-2015, 01:41 PM

dropped my k-5 while backpacking in the fall and I'm using painters tape to cover the top LCD which broke so I'm thinking of upgrading....and waiting to see what appears in 2016.

View Poll Results: Do you plan to upgrade to a new 20+MP Pentax in 2016?
Most likely Yes	71	34.30%
Most likely No	122	58.94%
Plan on switching camera systems	4	1.93%
Film, baby!	10	4.83%
Voters: 207. You may not vote on this poll

12-30-2015, 01:18 PM	#72
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia I do large prints as well. It's basically the only reason why I keep looking at that 24MP K-3. I'm not a big fan of the larger image files that the K-3 will produce, but like always, you give up one thing for another. I've printed 30x45 images out of my K-50 & that's pushing the sensor's limits. Those were uncropped ISO 100-400 shots that came out pretty good & I processed the RAW files. Can't get that print size from OOC jpegs. K-50 prints look better at 24x36, though. As the ISO climbs, the prints get smaller. The largest prints I made are both from my K-01. One with 55mm and the other 85mm lens. Both iso 100 and f5 at studiolight. Printed 59x29,5 inch doorposter. Both are stunning. Portrait, so not all those trees and stuff. Made in RAW and done some intensive work in lightroom. Brushed all things away that would be seen in print like little spots from lens flaws. https://flic.kr/p/mdXXRa Last edited by RonHendriks1966; 12-30-2015 at 01:26 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
No Pentax RF so, bought a Yachica. It arrived in a bag! Who ships a camera in a bag?!	MD Optofonik	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	14	04-13-2014 06:21 PM
Hot tip for those who use the A7 and A7r with adapted lenses - Lens compensation	Christine Tham	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	2	02-04-2014 01:58 PM
Is your in camera stabilization as good as a chicken?	vitalsax	Pentax DSLR Discussion	18	01-10-2009 03:40 PM
For those who did AF adjustment (via DEBUG) on your camera	frank	Pentax DSLR Discussion	16	09-21-2007 04:00 AM
Who says you can't use your Zenitar as a macro?	NaClH2O	Post Your Photos!	16	05-26-2007 08:03 PM

12-30-2015, 11:40 AM	#61
redrockcoulee Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Medicine Hat Posts: 2,306	I was undecided on if I should choose no or I shoot film as both are applicable. My Kr functioned beautifully and had over twice the shutter count when I got my K5iis as the K5iis has now. My wife as a K5 and it is useful to have basically the same camera as each other when having to borrow the others camera. The holiday break I went through all of our photo gear to see what I thought we needed to get and no camera and no lenses made the list. There were adapters for the tripod, a couple step up rings, a flash bracket, a different head for one of our tripods and a few other smallish items. A new camera would be more expensive than everything on my list combined and would not make me a better photographer and I would still want everything on the list. Any camera I would get next year would be at a thrift store and would shoot film. I simply cannot think of any reason for ME to upgrade my camera or even my lenses now that I got the 18-50 WR for when it rains. I do enjoy reading the reasons why others think they need to upgrade and what the new gear has to offer but I have no problem with being on the trailing edge of technology. My largest camera was made in the 1920s and the newest is a used plastic Diana F+.

12-30-2015, 11:41 AM	#62
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,232	Looking at percieved differences between various large size 4K OELD display, I don't see the point to go higher than 24Mpixel (I have a K-3) and 16Mpixels is also fine. IMO there is more to benefit from upgrading to higher resolution display and 4K video capability or additional lenses (longer lenses) vs spending more on a higher resolution camera. IMO , even the 12Mpixel of the A7s with its video functionality is great.

12-30-2015, 11:48 AM	#63
WildBikerBill New Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 24	No. Resolution has never been the reason for my upgrades. The things that have driven my upgrades: 1. Pentax *ist-DL: It was my first DSLR. It represents my transition from film to digital. 2. Pentax K-x: Vastly improved low-light performance and then new video functionality. 3. Pentax K-01: Improved low-light performance and greatly improved video functionality. I'm pretty happy with the K-01 even if I would often like a view finder. And this past year (2015) I purchased Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 and Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 lenses. I'll be spending my quality camera time using my new lenses.

12-30-2015, 12:07 PM	#64
The Squirrel Mafia Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3,054	Originally posted by Fenwoodian I print BIG. That's my thing. I do large prints as well. It's basically the only reason why I keep looking at that 24MP K-3. I'm not a big fan of the larger image files that the K-3 will produce, but like always, you give up one thing for another. I've printed 30x45 images out of my K-50 & that's pushing the sensor's limits. Those were uncropped ISO 100-400 shots that came out pretty good & I processed the RAW files. Can't get that print size from OOC jpegs. K-50 prints look better at 24x36, though. As the ISO climbs, the prints get smaller.

12-30-2015, 12:16 PM	#65
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia I do large prints as well. It's basically the only reason why I keep looking at that 24MP K-3. I'm not a big fan of the larger image files that the K-3 will produce, but like always, you give up one thing for another. I've printed 30x45 images out of my K-50 & that's pushing the sensor's limits. Those were uncropped ISO 100-400 shots that came out pretty good & I processed the RAW files. Can't get that print size from OOC jpegs. K-50 prints look better at 24x36, though. As the ISO climbs, the prints get smaller. That's some big images.... it's nice to know the cut off line is somewhere beyond the 20x30 that seems to be my max. Although I do have one K-3 image, I'd like to do at 24x36.... Printed small, you always move up and squint, trying to see detail on the boats. The boats definitely have to be bigger than they are on a 13x19 print which is the largest I print myself.

12-30-2015, 12:36 PM	#66
dansamy Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,450	Originally posted by pathdoc Your signature, as I post this, appears empty - check that the space aliens haven't stolen your gear! Dunno where my signature went. My profile claims it's still there. I'm too lazy to pull out the laptop & investigate further.

12-30-2015, 12:44 PM	#67
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by dansamy Dunno where my signature went. My profile claims it's still there. I'm too lazy to pull out the laptop & investigate further. Still there. Here it is: Originally posted by dansamy K-x, K-5ii, K-01, K-S1, DAL18-55, DAL55-300, DA50mm, Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, DA16-50, DA50-135, 40XS, ZX-30, ZX-50, DA35mm, FA28-70 f/4, FA28-90 f/3.5-5.6, F35-70 macro, Promaster 28-80, Sigma 70-300, Promaster 2x TC, Sigma 28-105 f2.8-4, Promaster 28-105, FA28-80PZ, F35-80, FA80-200, Tamron 28mm f/2.8, 2 AF-360FGZ, 2 AF-200FG Flickr albums: here, here and here

12-30-2015, 12:45 PM - 1 Like	#68
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	The aliens must have just borrowed it for a short time and given it back, then.

12-30-2015, 12:46 PM	#69
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	She's lucky, they never give me anything back.

12-30-2015, 12:50 PM	#70
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	I went back and looked again, and from where I stand her original post that caught my eye is still missing the sig line. Although it IS present in her most recent reply. Might be an IP or site glitch; I'll check later on a different platform.

12-30-2015, 12:53 PM	#71
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by pathdoc I went back and looked again, and from where I stand her original post that caught my eye is still missing the sig line. Although it IS present in her most recent reply. Might be an IP or site glitch; I'll check later on a different platform. You're right, same here. Here we go again! SHOCKER! Aliens Eat Pentax Full Frame Cameras! \| New Camera News

12-30-2015, 01:35 PM	#73
GlennG Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 824	Originally posted by Alex645 I'd upgrade myself, then I'd upgrade my glass, before I'd chase rainbows with MP. Thank you. And, I enjoyed your story that underscored your statement here.

12-30-2015, 01:39 PM	#74
The Squirrel Mafia Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3,054	Originally posted by RonHendriks1966 The largest prints I made are both from my K-01. One with 55mm and the other 85mm lens. Both iso 100 and f5 at studiolight. Printed 59x29,5 inch doorposter. Both are stunning. Portrait, so not all those trees and stuff. Made in RAW and done some intensive work in lightroom. Brushed all things away that would be seen in print like little spots from lens flaws. https://flic.kr/p/mdXXRa Interesting! I'd be thinking that at that point, you would probably start seeing some pixelation when up close. Was the print of that girl on the bar (_IGP1897)? I take is that the PENTAX-FA* 85mm F1.4 helped a lot.

12-30-2015, 01:41 PM	#75
Dice Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Emeryville, CA Posts: 1,122	dropped my k-5 while backpacking in the fall and I'm using painters tape to cover the top LCD which broke so I'm thinking of upgrading....and waiting to see what appears in 2016.